APCI (atmospheric pressure chemical ionization) and ESI (electrospray ionization) are the two most frequently utilized mass detection tools for automated flash chromatography. In a previous post, I discussed differences between the two detectors and the compound types best suited for each source.
Because these two sources ionize differently, there are cases when additives are needed in the make-up solvent and cases when they should not. In this post, I will show the impact that adding a buffer or acid has on APCI detection.